Tuesday, July 28, 2009

I read today that golfer Mark Calcavecchia made a negative comment about coming to the Buick Open in Michigan. The quote that upset me was, when discussing rain delays during the tournament he’s currently in, he said, "Ever been to Flint, Michigan?" he asked. "I'm in no hurry to get there.”

First off, the Buick Open is held in Grand Blanc, MI, not Flint, but that’s beside the point. Many of the golfers stay with families as opposed to hotels during the Buick Open. My neighbor had one of the tournament winners stay with her for years and she not only took him around, but also his wife while he was practicing. They also provided day care for the kids of the golfers and the caddies, too. These volunteers go out of their way to make sure the golfers and their families are comfortable and well taken care of and it appears that Mark isn’t exactly appreciative.

Right now Flint is going through a rough time and having him make a negative comment about the city during this time just reeks of kicking someone when they’re down. It’s really not professional to bash a place that’s welcomed you either. Remember Sienna Miller’s unfortunate comment about Pittsburgh? At least she had the class to apologize. Besides, Flint has come along way and the downtown has really been revitalized with new restaurants, etc.

And yes, I am from Grand Blanc originally and I not only grew up attending the tournament, but worked it as a journalist and TV producer’s assistant. I remember marking off Mark’s name on sheets so that we had TV footage of him to use in the specials. He didn’t particularly stand out to me, but you always pay attention to who goes out of their way to be nice to fans as well as the press. Some of the golfers do go out of their way to sign autographs (if asked politely) and chat with fans in the first few days. Some even hand out golf balls to fans. However, when the competition heats, up, people wait until the golfers are done playing for the day to get autographs. Fans, workers, and volunteers have always been pretty courteous and supportive in all the years I’ve attended, so I was hurt to hear anyone making a negative comment.

So for all who are going to the tournament, have a great time. I’ll be watching on TV since I’m out of the country unfortunately. I already know who I won’t be rooting for this year. But here’s hoping Mark Calcavecchia does the classy thing and apologizes….and donates to a local food bank and a charity or two ;)

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

A friend recently shared with me that she found a lily growing in her garden on her birthday last week. She never planted any lilies, but found out that years ago her late grandmother had planted one, but they never bloomed--until now. She thought it was so sweet that she got a present from her grandma. That got me thinking about the shower gift that I got from my grandmother after she had passed. She had died in 1993, yet the gift (her wedding crystal) was found in 2006 the very day before my bridal shower. I wrote about it for an anthology called, Patchwork Path: Grandma's Choice. it's just a really nice reminder that even when people pass on, they are still with us.

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About Me

I'm an author for teens, tweens, and adults. Check out my novels: True Colors, Best Friends...Forever?, Landry in Like, Dating the It Guy, Next Door to a Star, Competing with the Star, and Can Dreams Come True. Find me at my website at: www.krystenlindsay.com